Maswanganyi and Zwane return as Hugo Broos names Bafana Bafana squad for Panama friendlies

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has recalled playmakers Patrick Maswanganyi and Themba Zwane to the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of upcoming international friendlies against Panama.

The duo missed out on the recent Africa Cup of Nations after Broos opted for different attacking options in the playmaker role. Their return signals a potential reshuffle in Bafana Bafana’s creative midfield as the Belgian tactician continues to assess his squad ahead of future competitions.

South Africa will face Panama in two friendly matches scheduled to be played in Durban and Cape Town during the international break.

The squad announcement also featured a few surprising inclusions. Defender Olwethu Makhanya, who plays for Philadelphia Union in the United States, received a call-up, while Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner also made the preliminary list.

However, midfielder Sipho Mbule was left out of the squad for the friendly encounters, a decision that has drawn attention given his recent performances.

The squad also includes a number of regular internationals such as captain Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns and striker Lyle Foster of Burnley.

With the matches serving as preparation and evaluation opportunities, Broos is expected to closely monitor the players’ performances as he continues shaping the national team for upcoming international competitions.

Below is the squad:

Goalkeepers:

Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Darren Johnson (AmaZulu FC), Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders:

Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK), Vuyo Letlapa (Sekhukhune United), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers)

Midfielders:

Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch FC), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United), Luke le Roux (Portsmouth FC), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch FC), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela)

Forwards:

Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley FC), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Patrick Maswanganyi, Yanela Mbuthuma, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns).